Byline: Refeloe Letsoisa
11 September 2026
A 43-year-old Ethiopian national, Tamasgen Homogo, appeared before the Secunda Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 11 September 2026, facing a charge of allegedly raping a 15-year-old girl.
Homogo was arrested on 28 August 2026 and made his first court appearance on 31 August 2026.
According to the mother of the alleged victim, she discovered a message on her daughter’s phone from a friend which read: “We must tell your mom what he did.”
The mother said she initially did not understand the meaning of the message and decided to contact her daughter’s friend. The friend allegedly explained what had happened, prompting the mother to fetch her daughter from school.
According to the mother, while they were on their way to the police station, Homogo allegedly followed them and attempted to speak to her about the incident.
The mother said she refused to engage with him and proceeded to the police station, where she reported the matter and opened a case.
Seskhona Media attempted to contact the Ethiopian community leader, Mr Roba Mohammed, for comment, but he could not be reached.
Homogo was remanded in custody and is expected to return to the Secunda Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 18 September 2026, for a formal bail application.
